How Long Can You Keep Fresh Ricotta Cheese
Can you freeze ricotta cheese is a great question? It is for me because I have a cheese problem. We love cheese so much that we tend to over-purchase it on a regular basis.
When we are in the grocery store we always have lots of grand ideas.
Then the days pass so quickly and suddenly we realize that we either need to cook or figure out how to freeze something.
So let's dive into all things ricotta cheese.
How long does ricotta cheese last?
How long ricotta cheese lasts depends on whether it has been opened or not and how it has been stored. Unopened ricotta cheese that has been kept nice and cold in the fridge will last about 7 to 10 days past the use-by date if it has been kept in a cold fridge at or around 40 degrees F or cooler.
Also, pay close to attention to the use by date on the packaging.
However, do note that using any fresh food past the package use-by date is a risk that you have to personally decide to take.
If you have a sensitive stomach you may not want to take that risk.
Can you freeze ricotta cheese?
Yes, you can freeze ricotta cheese. Keep in mind that cheese is best if eaten while fresh. Freezing cheese can affect the texture of the ricotta. However, opinions are split on this and it is better to risk a slight texture change than it is to let some beautiful cheese go bad.
When freezing ricotta cheese it is important to consider how you are storing it. If it unopened ricotta cheese, you can place the package directly into the freezer.
If the ricotta cheese has been opened place it in a baggie, squeeze as much of the air out that you can and then seal it.
Then place the cheese as far back into the freezer as you can.
If you plan to freeze the ricotta cheese for an extended amount of time, we highly recommend that you double bag it.
Consider putting the cheese in a baggie as explained and then placing that baggie in a sealed container.
Tip: We recommend that you use a sharpie to clearly mark the date that you placed the cheese in the freezer.
How long can you freeze ricotta cheese?
If you have properly frozen the ricotta cheese it can last up to 3 months in the freezer. If it has been in the freezer for longer than that, it is likely still fine but the texture may be impacted slightly.
The colder the cheese was in the freezer the longer it will last. This is why we recommend storing it at the very back of the freezer or the very bottom of the freezer.
How to thaw ricotta cheese?
The best and safest way to thaw ricotta cheese after it has been frozen is to thaw it in the refrigerator. Allow the cheese to thaw in the fridge for 24 hours.
If the curds have separated and you see extra liquid do not worry. Once it is fully thawed you can use a fork to mix the cheese back up and it should be perfectly fine.
Are you curious if you can freeze these foods?
- Can you freeze salami?
- Can you freeze pepperoni?
- Can you freeze smoked salmon?
Does freezing ricotta cheese change the texture?
Freezing ricotta cheese can change the texture of the cheese. This is a hotly debated topic and factors such as how it was frozen and how it was thawed can affect how the texture after thawing.
Some cheese brands say that it will be perfectly fine to freeze their ricotta. Other cheese brands such as Sargento, say that it may be a bit more crumbly afterward. (source)
When it comes to freezing ricotta cheese our recommendation is that freezing the cheese is better than allowing the cheese to become stale and ruined.
Most foods, including cheese, are always best served fresh but real life gets in the way sometimes. It is better to have slightly crumbling ricotta cheese when you are ready to use it than to have moldy ricotta that you have to throw away.
Ingredients
- Ricotta cheese
- freezer bag or container
- Paper towel
Instructions
1. Dry the cheese. Drain any liquid from the cheese. Then place it on a paper towel and gently squeeze it and remove any excess liquid.
2. Label a baggie with the date and kind of cheese.
3. Place the ricotta in the freezer baggie and squeeze all of the air out of the baggie.
4. Place the cheese in freezer.
5. To thaw the ricotta cheese place it in the fridge and allow it thaw over 24 hours.
How Long Can You Keep Fresh Ricotta Cheese
Source: https://cookingchew.com/freeze-ricotta.html